Georgia Senate Approves Bill 318

The Georgia State Senate has passed a bill that allows local bars to sell alcohol on the Sunday before Saint Patrick’s Day.

Start your tabs and pour your favorite drink, the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day is in the air, downtown.

Jinx bartender Scott Johansen is one of the many bartenders in City Market ready for the luck of the Irish, “It’s definitely one of the biggest holidays. Our numbers definitely go up. The whole back of the room is full of beer,” says Johansen.

This year, the extra buck may not flow in so easily. St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Monday which means bars may not be able to sell alcohol the Sunday prior. Monday night, the Senate voted 32-18 in favor of the Senate Bill 318, allowing bars to sell alcohol the Sunday before.

“It is a tremendous source of revenue for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Without this piece of legislation, local bars would not be able to sell adult beverages,” says Senator Lester Jackson.

Senator Jackson says the bill will accomplish three goals: Number one, it will increase state revenue, promote tourism both in Savannah and throughout the state and allow any business that sells adult beverages, the same opportunity for sales growth on Saint Patrick’s Day.

Senator Lester Jackson says although this vote caused a lot of hesitation, he still believes it’s the best decision.

The bill still has to go through the State House and Governor Nathan Deal. Senator Jackson says he is expecting the house to pass it also.